CELEBRATING the PAST – PLANNING for the FUTURE
The Women's Foundation celebrated Women's History Month and the many contributions women have made to our community at a luncheon on March 31. With a theme of “Celebrating the Past – Planning for the Future,” the luncheon highlighted 40 years of service by Women's Commissions in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Recipients of several awards were honored. Dr. Sue Wortmann was the recipient of the Alice Paul Award for her lifelong dedication to women's rights. She is currently a professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University in the Sociology Department and has dedicated herself to working for women's equality and social justice. The Erasmus Correll Award was awarded to Jose Soto, who has supported women's issues through his work as the Vice President of Equity and Diversity at SCC. One of the Sojourner Truth Awards, presented to young women activists, went to Lauren Williams for her work in the political and legislative arena. Olivia Rask, a Lincoln High student and President of Feminists for Change, was the recipient of the other Sojourner Truth Award."

Past Alice Paul Award Winners

2015 - Patty Pansing Brooks

2012 - Kathie Uhrmacher

2009 - Bonnie Coffey

2006 - Janice Walker

2005 - DiAnna Schimek

2004 - Leola Bullock

2003 - Dr. Gerise Herndon

2002 - Kathy Campbell

2001 - Melba Cope

2000 - Susan Scott

1999 - Susan Hale

1998 - Sheryl Schrepf

1997 - Dr. Barbara DiBernard

1996 - Linda Knox

1995 - Gail Linderholm

1994 - Jan Gauger

1993 - Lela Knox Shanks

1992 - Beatty Brasch

1991 - Lois Hansen; Donna Karnes

1990 - Kit Boesch

1989 - Donna Polk

1988 - Christine Funk

1987 - Judy Wesely

1986 - Betty Peterson

1985 - Ada Munson

1984 - E. Shelton Burden

1983 - Ina May Rouse

1982 - Rosemary Machacek

1981 - Lynn Roper

1980 - Rose Meile

1979 - Esther Hamon

1978 - Gina Washburn

1977 - Kappie Weber

Past Erasmus Correll Award Winners

2015 - Scott Young

2007 - Rev. Otis Young

2006 - Milo Mumgaard

2005 - Sen. David Landis

2004 - Rev. Lauren Ekdahl

2003 - Bob Moyer

2002 - Thom Cope

2001 - Topher Hansen

2000 - Rick Wallace

1999 - Brian Mathers

1998 - Tom Casady

1997 - Dr. Jim Lewis

1996 - Gary Lacy

1995 - Randy Moody

Past Sojourner Truth Award Winners

2015 - Becca Brune and Kamryn Sannicks

2005 - Kate Simmons

2004 - Sarah Mason

2003 - Natalie Roberts

2001 - Ixchel Swinehart

1999 - Evamarie McDowell

1998 - Julie Thai

CIVICS ACADEMY

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." These words by Margaret Mead, noted anthropologist, remind us that engaged citizens can start a movement, improve the health of our communities and bring about change. On April 26 CIVICS ACADEMY provided an opportunity to learn more about how to achieve this through civic engagement.

The Women's Foundation, NE Appleseed and the YWCA hosted this event for participants who learned about civic engagement, learning more about the various governmental agencies in Lincoln/Lancaster County areas and what you can do to get involved.

Future Civics Academy events will be announced here and on email.

WOMEN in LEADERSHIP

On September 3, 2015, the Women's Foundation hosted a luncheon to celebrate those in our community who contribute to the improvement of women's lives through education, advocacy and outreach. "Women in Leadership" took place at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel from 11:30am-1:00pm. Once again, we presented the leadership awards that were a tradition with the Women's Commission: (1) the Alice Paul Award, given to a woman whose life's work reflects her dedication to the struggle for women's equality, was awarded to Senator Patty Pansing Brooks, a long-time community volunteer and activist and now dedicated state legislator (2) the Erasmus Correll Award, given to a man who has exhibited outstanding commitment to issues affecting women, was presented to Scott Young, the Executive Director of the Food Bank (3) the Sojourner Truth Award, given to young women who attempt to enhance the quality of life for girls or women through volunteer efforts and/or community involvement. There were two Sojourner Truth awards given this year. One to Becca Brune, a community activist and chid advocate with Nebraska Appleseed. The other was awarded to Kamryn Sannicks, a senior at North Star High School who has already become involved in political campaigns.

The Women's Foundation in conjunction with the Mayor's Commission on Women hosted the “WOMEN at WORK: Managing Money and Navigating the Workplace” on Saturday, October 4, at UNL's Student Union. Carla Tillmon, Program Analyst at the Department of Labor Women's Bureau in Kansas City gave a presentation on Pay Equity issues that affect women's earnings nationally and in our state and region. The latest information, including current legislation, salary negotiation and future projections was also discussed.

Another topic of the conference was Workplace Flexibility. Nancy Myers, Ph.D., Director of Organization Development for UNL presented trends in varied work schedules, job sharing and employment practices.

A panel of women in non-traditional and “green” jobs shared their experiences followed by a question and answer session. Emphasis was on women in the trades, science, engineering, technology and mathematics. Our experts include: Kristi Wamstad-Evans, Technical Manager for STAR Communities, Beth Stutzman and Karen Beaman, SCC instructors.

“Budgeting and saving, investing and planning for retirement all are priorities for women now and in the future,” said Kathie Uhrmacher, Chair of the Mayor's Commission on Women. Breakout sessions included money management, foundations of investing, and retirement presented by Megan Scherling, UNL Student Money Management Center, Carol Myers, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones, and Connie Benjamin, State Director for AARP.

“The Mayor's Commission on Women and the Women's Foundation of Lincoln and Lancaster County are committed to helping women in the workplace and understand what other working options are available throughout their working careers. We are grateful to AARP, UNL Women's Center, and the Women's Foundation of Lincoln and Lancaster County for helping us bring this conference to our community.”

You may also Download the flyer for Sculpting the Human Figure: Barbara Laging and Margarita Worth for viewing

Anyone who was at the screening and did not receive a copy of the DVD should contact us at lincolnwomen@gmail.com to let us know how to get a hold of you so we can get you a copy. Thank you!